Android Market Allows App Store Returns

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Android Market Allows App Store Returns

It's no Costco with its bring it back anytime, no receipt required policy. But Android Market, the online app store for the HTC T-Mobile G1 phone, is allowing users to return apps within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund.

The move is in contrast to Apple's iPhone app store that does not allow for returns once users buy an app.

Last week Google said it would start allowing paid apps into the Android Market. And like its rival Apple's app store, Google will take a 30 percent cut of all apps sold through its online marketplace.

Sure, there's the danger that G1 users might play Tetris for a few hours and return it but it is unlikely to happen. Return policies encourage shoppers to buy without fear and build greater trust in the marketplace. It's the reason why Zappos offers free returns on all its shoes, and yet they are still in business.

Android Market's move could force Apple to now consider return policies for its own app store.

The Market remains open to all developers who can put up their apps without requiring any approval from Google or the telecom carrier. Android has laid out some standard policies such as not allowing hate speech, apps encouraging harassment of other users or sexually explicit materials.

Maybe the iBoobs app developers who were rejected at the Apple app store still stand a chance on Android.